Chapter 20: Daisy

##Chapter 20: Daisy

He stares at her for a long moment before his gaze swings to his wife. My uncle has a pretty good poker face, but I know he doesn't enjoy Mom's visits. She can be a disruptive, pain in the ass (per Uncle Craig during her last visit). Aunt Marnie's shoulders shake with unconcealed mirth as she turns back to the stove to check dinner.

Sixty minutes later and I'm planning my escape. Mom has the tendency to make me feel claustrophobic. While everyone is busy talking after dinner, I quietly excuse myself and sneak out the back door. The sun has just dipped below the horizon as I settle onto a lounger near the pool and stretch my legs out in front of me. I close my eyes and suck in a breath before slowly exhaling. It takes a conscious effort to release the tension from my tightened muscles.

Thank God Mom booked a suite at a nearby hotel and isn't staying at the house. I think Uncle Craig would probably pack his bags and vacate the premises if that were the case.